Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

A&E experience

Posted By Yoga746

"A&E experience"

About: Causeway Hospital / Accident & Emergency

(as the patient),

Sadly, I recently experienced a miscarriage and have been receiving ongoing treatment at Causeway hospital.

I had to go to A&E with severe back pain. The A&E doctor was quite abrupt and didn't even offer me any painkillers. They also kept speaking directly to my husband instead of me, which I found extremely uncomfortable, patronising and condescending. They said this isn't an A&E problem and I would need to go to gynaecology. They called the gynaecologist doctor on that night several times, who refused to even come and speak to me to explain what was going on. 

My husband and I were genuinely shocked at how little they seemed to care, and I left that night in tears, confused what was going on with my body and still in so much pain. Surely a doctor should be compassionate, especially towards someone going through a miscarriage?! 

A few days later the pain was getting worse and after speaking to the early pregnancy unit on the phone, they advised me to go to A&E again and assured me that the gynaecology doctor from my previous A&E visit wasn't working. I arrived at A&E and despite the long waiting times I had a much more pleasant experience. The nurses there are complete angels and clearly need more help dealing with the demand. Shout out to Louise and Kirsty - rays of sunshine and just lovely human beings.

I was seen by Dr Aljumaily who was absolutely incredible. He didn't make me feel stupid for asking questions, he treated me with complete compassion and took the time to explain all my blood results and what was going on. Excellent level of care and I truly appreciate it. Thank you so much.

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Victoria McCrory, Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Medicine and Emergency Medicine, NHSCT 4 days ago
Victoria McCrory
Assistant Clinical Services Manager, Medicine and Emergency Medicine,
NHSCT

Submitted on 16/05/2025 at 15:06
Published on Care Opinion at 15:06

Hello Yoqa746

My name is Victoria McCrory and I am the Assistant Clinical Services Manager for CAU ED. I am very sorry to hear of your recent loss, and the poor experience which you encountered on your 1st presentation to the department.

The experience which you describe from your 1st presentation does not meet that standards which I would expect to be upheld within the dept, and also does not align with trust core values. I will ensure that your feedback is shared with all staff in the department and noted at our next ED governance meeting for shared learning. I am sorry for the added stress this encounter will have added to an already difficult time for you and your husband.

The senior team within ED are currently working closely with our Obs and Gynae colleagues to complete on a set of pathways which will make the process much smoother and streamlined for ladies in a similar situation yo yourself who present to the ED. It is hoped the completion of these pathways will ensure that ladies who miscarry or present with other obs/gynae related concerns, receive a higher standard of patient care which meets their needs.

I am glad to hear that on your second presentation you had a better experience. I am sorry for the delays which you experienced. Unfortunately due to sustained pressures within the ED and some staffing challenges, delays in patient care have occurred. We are working hard to stabilise our nursing workforce, and continue to work with our patient flow and sit co ordination teams to improve flow through the dept.

Thank you for taking the time to leave the positive feedback regarding the 2 nurses and the Dr whom you have kindly named. I will ensure this feedback is shared with all staff in the department for shared learning in regards to your 1st experience. The positive feedback will help boost staff morale, and will be highly appreciated by those you have individually named.

I wish to extend my sympathies to you regarding your loss and the difficult time you have had.

Yours Sincerely

Victoria McCrory

ACSM CAU ED

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k